Kadammanitta Padayani, Kerala

Folklore traditions, myths and rituals everywhere are interesting and it attracts art lovers and people all over the world. To explore a religious folklore tradition in Kerala, visit the small village of Kadammanitta in Pathanamthitta, where you can watch Padayani. It is a ritualistic art form, which is a symbolic one performed to please Goddess Bhadrakaali and to bring her out of the violent mood after her victory over the mythical demon Daarika.

The Padayani festival at Kadammanitta begins with the chootuveipu – the lighting of fire for Padayani from the sacred lamp brought from the temple, followed by the drumming of thappu. After this comes the eduthu varavu or the procession of various padayani kolams, (kolam means effigy) beginning with the kolam of Ganapathi. The other kolams in the procession are marutha, yakshi, pakshi, kaalan, kuthira and bhairavi.

Featured here is the eduthu varavu during the Kadammanitta Padayani that marks the conclusion of the festival. The Padayani festival at Kadammanitta Devi temple is celebrated every year from the first day of Malayalam month Medam (Aries) to the 10th day, called the Pathamudayam.

How to reach:
Nearest railway station: Chengannur, via Mavelikkara - Kozhenchery Hwy, about 24 km; Thiruvalla railway station, via Kadammanitta - Kozhencherry Rd, about 28 km
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 105 km from Thiruvalla